The discovery of West Nile virus in overwintering Culex pipiens (Diptera: Culicidae) mosquitoes in Lehigh County, Pennsylvania

J Am Mosq Control Assoc. 2004 Sep;20(3):326-7.

Abstract

In February 2003, a pool of 6 Culex pipiens mosquitoes collected in Lehigh County, PA, tested positive for West Nile Virus (WNV). West Nile viral RNA was detected by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. This is the first time in Pennsylvania and the third time in North America that WNV has been found in overwintering adult mosquitoes.

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Culex / virology*
  • Pennsylvania
  • Polymerase Chain Reaction
  • Seasons
  • West Nile virus / physiology*